Bay Area travelers fleeing for Thanksgiving break

One of the year's busiest travel weeks s well under way in the Bay Area, as more people are packing airports and freeways than during any Thanksgiving rush since the Great Recession began.

The region's busiest airport, San Francisco International, is anticipating record Thanksgiving traffic while AAA forecasts overall travel in Northern California to grow for the fourth straight Turkey Day.

Overall Thanksgiving week traffic in California is expected to increase by 0.6 percent compared to last year, the fourth straight year of small growth, with 5.4 million Californians traveling at least 50 miles this weekend, mirroring national trends, AAA said.

Most people will drive, and though gas prices are about the same as they were in November last year, they are down nearly a dollar per gallon in the Bay Area since record prices at the pump six weeks ago. But most people plan Thanksgiving trips so far ahead that the recent drop won't change travel habits, said AAA spokeswoman Cynthia Harris.

Compared to last year's Thanksgiving rush, SFO expects a 3 percent bump in traffic while San Jose International Airport expects 2 percent more traffic. Neither airport has seen its long-term lots fill yet but expects them to be at capacity Tuesday or Wednesday, while Oakland International Airport, which is also expecting a bump in traffic, is not expecting lots to fill up.

The busiest travel day was Friday at SFO, and should be Wednesday at San Jose, while next Sunday is also expected to be particularly congested everywhere.

The National Weather Service forecasts about a quarter-inch to a half-inch of rain in the Bay Area on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, but otherwise expects clear skies with highs in the mid-60s and lows in the 40s. Snow levels are expected to reach above 7,000 feet, which is about the same elevation as Donner Summit in the Sierra Nevada.

Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area are expected to be the top destination for Bay Area travelers, followed by the San Diego area and then Las Vegas, Harris said.

"It's about being together and sharing a meal, and for some people, yes, shopping," Harris said. "It's definitely the most important holiday" for travel.